John Sainsbury joined Sainsbury’s in 1950. He became a Director in 1958 and Vice-Chairman in 1967. He became Chairman and Chief Executive in 1969 and continued in that role until 1992, taking the company public in 1973.

During that period, Sainsbury’s became the UK’s most successful supermarket chain. Between 1969 and 1992 sales grew by 19% a year on average, and profits by an average of 24% a year.

John Sainsbury has been Life President of J Sainsbury plc since 1992.

A history of the period, Sainsbury’s, The Record Years 1950-1992, written by Giles Emerson has just been published. For a copy, contact sales@johnsandoe.com.